Purchasing Procedure - Additional Information

August 1, 2009

The district must provide for the fair and equitable treatment of all persons involved in public procurement, to maximize the purchasing value of public funds and to provide safeguards for maintaining a procurement system of quality and integrity.

All purchases which expend public school money (including school activity funds) fall under the definition of purchase from public funds and are subject to Chapter 13 Pamphlet 29 NMSA 1978 entitled “Public Purchases and Property” which includes the Procurement Code, Public Works Contracts and other pertinent legislation.

The purchase, rental, and lease of any tangible personal property non-professional services or construction which will exceed $20,000 must be formally bid by the Procurement Division and may not be artificially divided to circumvent this requirement. Exceptions such as patented or copyrighted products, use of existing contracts, or certain statutory exemptions may apply. Freight, installation, rigging, tax, etc. are considered to be part of the cost of the product. Bid documents will be mailed or otherwise distributed by the Procurement Division which shall also publish public notice not less than ten calendar days prior to the date set forth for the opening of the bid.

The purchase, rental and lease of any tangible personal property or construction which will fall between $10,000 and $19,999.99 are required by Administrative policy to obtain three quotes. These may be written, faxed or telephoned. Documentation including but not limited to the date, time, company, price, person quoting, model number etc., freight charges, must be furnished to the Procurement Division which may recommend or contact additional sources.

Purchases which are less than $10,000 must be made at the best obtainable price. Quotes for items less than $10,000 may be required by the Purchasing Agent if deemed to be in the best interests of the School District.

Professional services which will exceed $50,000 must also be formally bid. Please contact the Procurement Division as to what qualifies as a professional service and for applicability of the Professional Services Agreement. Note that the District does pay gross receipts tax on professional services and that a line item for this tax must be specifically established. Quotes for services less than $50,000 may be required as deemed to be in the best interests of the School District.

Service for Architects, Surveyors and Engineers shall be subject to formal selection as referenced in Section 13-1-119, NMSA, 1978.

Grants are not exempt from public purchasing statutes and all applicable state and federal requirements. Any such appropriation must also be accomplished within District guidelines. The fact that certain businesses or individuals may be contacted for cost projections or other information does not guarantee that business or individual any payment or future work within the grant. Professional services as well as the purchase, rental or lease of any equipment and/or supplies which are to be provided under the grant will be competed in the usual manner.

Purchases using a Purchasing Card (P-Card) for local small purchases are authorized. All purchases using the Purchasing Card are subject to this policy and all persons using a Purchasing Card will follow procedures established by the District.